Motorized Horizontal Docking Station Having Integrated Locking Mechanism

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a method for detecting misalignment between a plurality of plugs in a motorized docking station and a corresponding plurality of ports on an electronic device, the method including applying an electrical charge to a motor, the motor connected to a drive train and the drive train connected to the plurality of plugs, monitoring an electrical property of the electrical charge, and removing the electrical charge from the motor if the electrical property exceeds a predetermined threshold.

This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit ofpriority to, U.S. Provisional Application 61/922,094 filed Dec. 31, 2013and U.S. Provisional Application 61/988,250 filed May 4, 2014. Theentirety of the aforementioned provisional applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The embodiments of the invention relate a docking station for anelectronic device, and more particularly, to a software controlled,horizontally oriented docking station for a laptop computer. Althoughembodiments of the invention are suitable for a wide scope ofapplications, it is particularly suitable for use with laptop computersthat have ports on two opposing sides and for protecting an electronicdevice from unauthorized removal from a docking station.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

The related art docking stations include docking stations for laptopcomputers. Docking stations of the related art are generally of the formdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,230 to Helot, particularly FIG. 1 andFIG. 2. The related art docking stations generally interface with anelectronic device such as a laptop computer. The electrical connectionbetween electronic device and docking station is generally achievedthrough a single, multi-pin docking port. The related art dockingstation generally provides a multitude of additional interface portsconnected to the docking port.

Docking stations of the related art also include multi-plug tomulti-port docking stations such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub.2013/0148289 of Kitae Kwon (“Kwon”), particularly in FIG. 2(multi-plug), and FIG. 6 (multi-port). See also U.S. Pat. Pub.2012/0127651 of Kitae Kwon, et. al. Kwon discloses, generally, aplurality of plugs on a sliding arm that can be activated by a lever.When the lever is activated, the arms squeeze together and engage theplurality of plugs with the corresponding ports of an electronic device.Kwon also discloses using a Kensington-style lock to bind the slidingarm to the chassis and prevent movement sliding arm.

The related art docking stations also include opposing connector blocks.To connect a computer to the related art docking stations, a userpositions the electronic device within the docking station, andactivates a lever to cause the opposing connector blocks to press intothe electronic device thereby making an electrical connection betweenthe docking station and the electronic device. In the related art, theopposing connector blocks can be connected to the lever through a hingeor a cam. Both the hinge and cam are described in U.S. Pat. Pub.2013/0148289 of Kitae Kwon, particularly in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B (cam), andFIG. 4 (hinge). See also U.S. Pat. Pub. 2012/0127651 of Kitae Kwon, et.al.

There are some disadvantages of the related art systems. For example,the related art docking stations rely on a lever to so that a user canmanually actuate the connector blocks. The lever is generally offsetfrom the axis of the connector blocks the lever can be accessible by auser. An offset lever creates a non-linear force on the connector blockand can cause misalignment of the connector block and prevent theconnector block from interfacing with the docked device as designed. Thelever also has the disadvantage that it must be moved to effectuatedocking and undocking The lever can be challenging to manipulate on acrowded desk or by a person having limited dexterity.

The related art docking stations are also generally passive—the dockdoes not have awareness of whether an electronic device is present or ifthe connectors of the connector blocks are inserted into the dockeddevice. A passive docking station cannot, for example, detect whetherthe electronic device is properly positioned within the dock.

The related art docking stations also have a predetermined range ofmotion for the connector blocks. This range of motion is determined bythe length of the lever arms and hinges or the size of the cam.Mechanical devices, however, tend to wear with extended use. As therelated art begins to wear, the range of motion for the connector blockscan become sloppy or loose. Because docking requires high tolerances, aloose connector block could cause misalignment or incomplete insertion.

The related art of Helot, requires that the electronic device includes adocking connector. Thus the docking station of Helot cannot be used withelectronic devices that do not include a docking connector. Helot isalso limited in that Helot does not provide a mechanism to secure eitherthe electronic device or the docking station. While Kwon teaches usingmultiple plugs instead of a docking connector and using aKensington-style lock to secure the electronic device and dockingstation, Kwon does not allow removal of the electronic device withoutalso manually removing the Kensington-style lock.

Laptop computers generally include an integrated audio device to allowaudio output to integrated speakers or a headphone jack. However, mostlaptop computers include a hardware switch in a headphone jack thatautomatically disables the internal speakers of a laptop computer when aplug is inserted into the headphones jack. In most commerciallyavailable laptop computers the hardware switch in the headphones jackcannot be overridden by software such that if a plug is inserted in theheadphones jack, playback through the internal speakers of the laptopcomputer is impossible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a motorizedhorizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanism thatsubstantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitationsand disadvantages of the related art.

An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a dockingstation having high-tolerance connections between the connector blocksand the docking actuator.

Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a dockingstation that can detect whether an electronic device is properlypositioned before the docking connectors are inserted.

Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide adocking station having physical features that aid in the properalignment of the electronic device.

Still another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide adocking station that protects an electronic device from physical damagedue to misalignment within the docking station.

An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a dockingstation that easily docks and undocks the electronic device.

Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a dockingstation is to provide security features to retain the electronic devicewithin the docking station.

Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide adocking station with an emergency override of the security feature.

An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a dockingstation for an electronic device that does not have a docking port.

Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide independentlocking mechanisms for each of the docking station and electronicdevice.

Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to providemultiple audio devices and a selector to choose an audio device.

Still another object of embodiments of the invention is to provideenterprise security features to docking stations.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention willbe set forth in the description which follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practice ofembodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of theembodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by thestructure particularly pointed out in the written description and claimshereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, themotorized horizontal docking station having integrated locking mechanismincludes a top surface of the housing for receiving an electronicdevice, a plurality of positioning members of the top surface forpositioning the electronic device with respect to the top surface, afirst sensor for detecting the presence of the electronic device, afirst connector block, a first connector of the first connector block, afirst arm of the first connector block, a motor connected to the firstarm via one or more gears, and a security hole for attaching a lock.

Specific embodiments of the invention include a first slot on a rightedge of the top surface and a second slot on a left edge of the topsurface. In other embodiments, the plurality of positioning membersincludes four positioning members. The first positioning member can bedisposed on the top surface to contact a front surface of the electronicdevice. The second positioning member can be disposed on the top surfaceto contact a front surface of the electronic device. The thirdpositioning member can be disposed on the top surface to contact a rearsurface and a first side surface of the electronic device. The fourthpositioning member can be disposed on the top surface to contact a rearsurface and a second side surface of the electronic device.

Some embodiments include a second sensor for detecting the presence ofthe electronic device. In some embodiments, the first connector blockfurther includes a second connector. In some embodiments, the first armis formed from a block-side portion and a follower portion. The twoportions can be connected by a linear clutch. A sensor can be associatedwith the linear clutch to detect a slippage of the linear clutch.

The arm portion can include a sliding member that slides on railsconnected to the housing. The docking station can further include analignment arm associated with the first connector block.

The arm can include a rack gear that is driven by a pinion gear. Thedocking station can further include an emergency override gear connectedto the pinion gear and a clutch gear. The clutch gear can be configuredto slip in response to a rotational force applied to the emergencyoverride gear. The clutch-gear can be disposed between the motor and thepinion gear. The docking station can include a sensor in the securityhole. The docking station can include a position sensor for detectingthe position of the first arm and a position reference member associatedwith the first arm that is positioned to interface with the positionsensor.

In another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a housing, a tray of the housingfor receiving an electronic device, a first sensor for detecting thepresence of the electronic device, a first connector block, a firstconnector of the first connector block, the first connector positionedto engage a first port of the electronic device, a first arm of thefirst connector block, the first arm slidably connected to the housing,a second connector block opposite the first connector block, a secondconnector of the second connector block, the second connector positionedto engage a second port of the electronic device, a second arm of thesecond connector block, the second arm slidably connected to thehousing, and a motor connected to the first arm and the second arm viaone or more gears, the motor operable to turn the one or more gearsthereby sliding the first and second arms to engage and disengage thefirst and second connectors with the first and second ports of theelectronic device, respectively.

In yet another embodiment, the motorized horizontal docking stationhaving integrated locking mechanism includes a housing, a tray of thehousing for receiving an electronic device, a connector block, aconnector of the connector block, the connector positioned to engage aport of the electronic device, an arm of the connector block, the armslidably connected to the housing, a block-side portion of the arm, afollower portion of the arm; and a linear clutch connecting theblock-side portion to the follower portion, the linear clutch operableto slip thereby allowing the follower portion to move independently ofthe block-side portion. The docking station can further include a firstsensor for detecting the presence of the electronic device and a secondsensor associated with the linear clutch, the second sensor configuredto detect a slippage of the linear clutch.

In another aspect, a motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a method for preventingunauthorized removal of an electronic device from a docking stationincluding inserting a first plug into a first port of the electronicdevice, inserting a second plug into a second port of the electronicdevice, setting the docking station to a locked state, preventingremoval of the first plug from the first port while the docking stationis in the locked state, setting the docking station to an unlockedstate, removing the first plug from the first port, and removing thesecond plug from the second port.

In another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a method for preventingunauthorized removal of an electronic device from a docking stationincluding receiving a lock message at the docking station, setting thedocking station to a locked state, disabling undocking while the dockingstation is in the locked state, receiving an unlock message at thedocking station, setting the docking station to an unlocked state, andenabling undocking while the docking station is in the unlocked state.

In yet another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a method for preventingunauthorized removal of an electronic device from a docking stationincluding determining whether the electronic device is docked in thedocking station, sending a “lock” message from the electronic device tothe docking station, receiving a “request authorization” message fromthe docking station, authorizing unlocking of the docking station, andsending an “unlock” message from the electronic device to the dockingstation.

In still another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a system for preventingunauthorized removal of an electronic device from a docking stationincluding a first plug positioned to slidably interface with a firstport of the electronic device, a second plug opposite the first plug andpositioned to slidably interface with a second port of the electronicdevice, a mechanical locking mechanism operable to restrict removal ofthe first and second plugs from the electronic device, and a softwareapplication for communicating with the docking station, the softwareapplication including a messaging component for sending messages to, andreceiving messages from, the docking station, and an authorizationcomponent for authorizing unlocking of the locking mechanism.

In another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a system for managing a computerhaving a variable set of attached peripherals, the system including anaudio output selector, an audio input selector, a window positioncontrol module, a profile selection module for determining a deviceprofile, and an undocking component for dismounting a data storagedevice.

In yet another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a method for removing anelectronic device from a docking station including receiving an “undock”message, sending a “confirmation” message to the electronic device,dismounting data storage devices, and removing a first plug of thedocking station from a first port of the electronic device.

In still another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a system for attaching a pluralityof external connectors to an electronic device including a dockingstation, a first plug on the docking station positioned to interfacewith a first port on the electronic device, a second plug on the dockingstation positioned to interface with a second port on the electronicdevice, a first audio device in the docking station, a second audiodevice in the docking station, a selector to selectively enable one ofthe first audio device and second audio device.

In another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a sliding arm having a connectorblock with a plurality of plugs. The sliding arm includes a block-sideportion and a follower portion. The block-side portion can have a firstend connected to the connector block. The follower portion can beconnected to a second end of the block-side portion with a linearclutch. The linear clutch can include a bolt, a spring, and two slidingmembers. The bolt can pass through the block-side portion and thefollower portion. A force on an end of the arm can cause the clutch toslip allowing the follower portion to move independently of theblock-side portion. A sensor can detect a slippage of the linear clutch.

In yet another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a tray for receiving theelectronic device, the tray having a top surface, a bottom surface, anda plurality of sidewalls, a plurality of positioning members of the topsurface of the tray for positioning the electronic device with respectto the top surface, a first rail fixed to the bottom surface of thetray; and a first sliding member slidably connected to the first rail.In some aspects, the docking station can further include a second railand a second sliding member slidably connected thereto. The dockingstation can also include recesses sized to receive the feet of theelectronic device.

In still another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a tray for receiving theelectronic device, the tray having a top surface, a bottom surface, anda plurality of sidewalls, a plurality of positioning members of the topsurface of the tray for positioning the electronic device with respectto the top surface, a first rail fixed to the bottom surface of thetray, a second rail fixed to the bottom surface of the tray and parallelto the first rail, a first sliding member slidably connected to thefirst rail and the second rail, a third rail fixed to the bottom surfaceof the tray, a fourth rail fixed to the bottom surface of the tray andparallel to the third rail, and a second sliding member slidablyconnected to the third rail and the fourth rail.

In another aspect, the motorized horizontal docking station havingintegrated locking mechanism includes a tray for receiving theelectronic device, the tray having a top surface, a bottom surface, anda plurality of sidewalls, a plurality of positioning members of the topsurface of the tray for positioning the electronic device with respectto the top surface, a first rail fixed to the bottom surface of thetray, a first sliding member slidably connected to the first rail, asecond sliding member slidably connected to the first rail, a secondrail fixed to the bottom surface of the tray, a third sliding memberslidably connected to the second rail, and a fourth sliding memberslidably connected to the second rail.

In still another aspect, a horizontal docking station having integratedlocking mechanism includes a first connector block slidably connected toa first side of the docking station, a second connector block oppositethe first connector block and slidably connected to a second side of thedocking station, a first plug of the first connector block positioned tointerface with a first port of the electronic device, a first port onthe docking station electrically connected to the first plug, a firstdummy plug of the second connector block positioned to interface with asecond port of the electronic device, and a security hole for receivinga lock.

In yet another aspect, a horizontal docking station having integratedlocking mechanism includes a first connector block slidably connected toa first side of the docking station, a first arm connected to the firstconnector block, a first plug of the first connector block positioned tointerface with a first port of the electronic device, a second plug ofthe first connector block positioned to interface with a second port ofthe electronic device, a first port on the docking station electricallyconnected to the first plug, a second port on the docking stationelectrically connected to the second plug, a second connector blockopposite the first connector block and slidably connected to a secondside of the docking station, a second arm connected to the secondconnector block, a third plug of the second connector block positionedto interface with a third port of the electronic device, the third plugformed from an insulating material, a fourth plug of the secondconnector block positioned to interface with a fourth port of theelectronic device, the fourth plug formed from an insulating material,and a security hole dimensioned to receive a Kensington-style lock.

In another aspect, a horizontal docking station having integratedlocking mechanism includes a first connector block fixed to a first sideof the docking station, a second connector block opposite the firstconnector block and slidably connected to a second side of the dockingstation, a first plug of the first connector block positioned tointerface with a first port of the electronic device, a first port onthe docking station electrically connected to the first plug, a secondplug formed from an insulating material on the second connector block,the second plug positioned to interface with a second port of theelectronic device, and a security hole for receiving a lock.

In still another aspect, a horizontal docking station having integratedlocking mechanism includes a method for detecting misalignment between aplurality of plugs in a motorized docking station and a correspondingplurality of ports on an electronic device, including applying anelectrical charge to a motor, the motor connected to a drive train andthe drive train connected to the plurality of plugs, monitoring anelectrical property of the electrical charge, and removing theelectrical charge from the motor if the electrical property exceeds apredetermined threshold.

In yet another aspect, a horizontal docking station having integratedlocking mechanism includes a device for detecting misalignment between aplurality of plugs in a motorized docking station and a correspondingplurality of ports on an electronic device, the device including a motorconnected to a drive train and the plurality of plugs, a sensorconfigured to detect an electrical property of an electrical chargeapplied to the motor; and a processor configured to remove theelectrical charge from the motor when the electrical property exceeds apredetermined threshold.

In another aspect, a horizontal docking station having integratedlocking mechanism includes a device for detecting misalignment between aplurality of plugs in a motorized docking station and a correspondingplurality of ports on an electronic device, the device including a motorconnected to a drive train and the plurality of plugs, a sensorconfigured to detect an current of an electrical charge applied to themotor, and a processor configured to remove the electrical charge fromthe motor when the current exceeds a predetermined absolute thresholdcurrent, wherein the processor is further configured to apply a reverseelectrical charge to the motor when the electrical property exceeds thepredetermined threshold.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of embodiments of the inventionas claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated inand constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments ofthe invention and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a docking station for an electronicdevice;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of connector block actuator of a dockingstation for an electronic device;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of connector block actuator of a dockingstation for an electronic device;

FIG. 4 is a top view of connector block actuator of a docking stationfor an electronic device;

FIG. 5 is a detailed top view of connector block actuator of a dockingstation for an electronic device;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pinion-gear;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a clutch-gear;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a clutch-gear;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector block and arm;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connector block and arm;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a docking station for an electronic device;

FIG. 11A is a detailed perspective view of a top surface of the dockingstation for an electronic device;

FIG. 11B is a detailed perspective view of a top surface of the dockingstation for an electronic device;

FIG. 11C is a detailed perspective view of a top surface of the dockingstation for an electronic device;

FIG. 11D is a detailed perspective view of a top surface of the dockingstation for an electronic device;

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of an arm of a connector blockactuator with a linear clutch removed;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a connector assembly for a linearclutch;

FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a connector assembly for a linearclutch;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of connector block actuator of a dockingstation for an electronic device;

FIG. 15 is a detail bottom view of the connector block actuator of FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a detail perspective view of the bottom of the connectorblock actuator of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an emergency override gear;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a top surface of a docking station for anelectronic device; and

FIG. 19 is detail view of a slide mechanism for an arm of a connectorblock actuator.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of hardware and software systems according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the electronic hardware components of adocking station according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22A is a flow chart for docking an electronic device according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22B is a flow chart for docking an electronic device includingexemplary additional steps to FIG. 22A;

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of undocking according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of undocking according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of undocking according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of undocking according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 27 is an exemplary call flow between a dock controller of a dockingstation and a docked electronic device;

FIG. 28 is an exemplary call flow between a dock controller of a dockingstation and a docked electronic device wherein the docking stationremains in a “locked state” after undocking; and

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a port misalignment detection mechanismaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodimentsset forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey theconcept of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings,the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Likereference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a docking station for an electronicdevice. As shown in FIG. 1, the docking station has a tray 100, aplurality of connectors 110, a plurality of ports 120, a plurality ofpins 130, and a security hole 140. The tray 100 is formed to complimentthe size and shape of the electronic device. The tray can hold theelectronic device in position to interface with the plurality ofconnectors 110. The plurality of connectors 110 can be positioned tomatch the location of corresponding ports of an electronic device.

The plurality of connectors 110 can be electronically connected to theplurality of ports 120. The electronic connections can be pass-throughmeaning that each of the plurality of connectors 110 corresponds to oneof the plurality of ports 120 and that the electrical signals betweenthe connectors and ports are not altered by the docking station. Theelectronic connections can be active meaning that one or more of theplurality of connectors 110 can be electrically connected to circuitryand subsequently connected to one or more of the plurality of ports 120.For example, one of the plurality of connectors 110 can be a USBconnector electronically connected to a USB hub which is in turnelectronically connected to more than one of the plurality of ports 120.

The plurality of pins 130 can be the pins described in U.S. Pat. No.8,512,080 to Vroom et. al, the entirety of which is hereby incorporatedby reference. The security hole 140 can be sized to accommodate aKensington style lock.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of connector block actuator of a dockingstation for an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 2 the connector blockactuator includes connector blocks 200 and 230 and gear box 300. Theconnector block 200 is has a block-side arm portion 210, a follower armportion 220, and an alignment arm 205. The connector block 230 is has ablock-side arm portion 240, a follower arm portion 250, and an alignmentarm 235. The gearbox 300 includes a motor 310. The docking stationincludes sensor 400 for detecting when an electronic device is properlyinserted into the docking station. The docking station can have asymmetrical sensor (not shown) on the opposite side near connector block200. The docking station can include a sensor 420 for detecting when alock is inserted in the security hole 140 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of connector block actuator of a dockingstation for an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 3 the connector blockactuator includes connector blocks 200 and 230. The connector block 200is has a block-side arm portion 210, a follower arm portion 220, and analignment arm 205. The connector block 230 is has a block-side armportion 240, a follower arm portion 250, and an alignment arm 235. Theconnector block actuator includes a motor 310. The docking stationincludes sensor 400 for detecting when an electronic device is properlyinserted into the docking station. The docking station can have asymmetrical sensor (not shown) on the opposite side near connector block200. The docking station can include a sensor 420 for detecting when alock is inserted in the security hole 140 of FIG. 1.

In operation, the motor 310 can turn the gears (not labeled) and causethe follow arm portions 220 and 250 to slide or traverse inwards andoutwards. The follow arm portions 220 and 250 are connected to theblock-side arm portions 210 and 240 (respectively) which are in turnconnected to the connector blocks 200 and 230 (respectively). When anelectronic device (not shown) is positioned in the docking station, themotor 310 can be activated to cause the connector blocks 200 and 230 toslide inwards thereby causing the plurality of connectors (not labeled)to be pressed into the electronic device. The motor 310 can be operatedin a reverse direction causing the connector blocks 200 and 230 to slideoutwards thereby causing the plurality of connectors (not labeled) to beremoved from the electronic device.

When the connector blocks 200 and 230 are in an inward, “closed”, or“docked” position, the electronic device is securely retained in thedocking station to prevent theft of the electronic device. The dockingstation can be locked to a stationary object by inserting aKensington-style lock into the security hole 140 of FIG. 1. In this way,an electronic device that is docked in the docking station is secured tothe docking station, and the docking station is locked to the stationaryobject thereby preventing theft of either the docking station or thedocked electronic device. The sensor 420 can detect the presence of alock in the security hole 140 of FIG. 1 and optionally disable openingof the connector blocks 200 and 230. The electronic device can interfacewith the docking station to determine the status of the sensor 420 andenable/disable docking through software. If the lock is removed from thesecurity hole 140, the docking station can allow normaldocking/undocking without software.

The sensor 420 can also act as a reset switch. For example, when thesensor 420 is activated five times in rapid succession, the dockingstation can interpret that signal as a reset signal and cause theconnector blocks 200 and 230 to move outwards into an “open” or“undocked” position. The presence of a lock in the security hole 140 canblock the sensor 420 thereby preventing unauthorized resetting of thedocking station and removal of the electronic device.

FIG. 4 is a top view of connector block actuator of a docking stationfor an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 4 the connector blockactuator includes connector blocks 200 and 230. The connector block 200is has a block-side arm portion 210, a follower arm portion 220, and analignment arm 205. The connector block 230 is has a block-side armportion 240, a follower arm portion 250, and an alignment arm 235. Theconnector block actuator includes a motor 310. The docking stationincludes sensor 400 for detecting when an electronic device is properlyinserted into the docking station. The docking station can have asymmetrical sensor 410 on the opposite side near connector block 200.The docking station can include a sensor 420 for detecting when a lockis inserted in the security hole 140 of FIG. 1.

The docking station can include a sensor 430 for detecting the positionof the connector block 200 or 230. The sensor 430 can detect theposition of a tab 221 or other movable feature and thereby infer theposition of the connector block 200 or 230. In the exemplary embodimentof FIG. 4, a closed position can be indicated when the tab 221 is on theleft edge of the sensor 430. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, anopen position can be indicated when the tab 221 is on the right edge ofthe sensor 430.

FIG. 5 is a detailed top view of connector block actuator of a dockingstation for an electronic device. As shown in FIG. 5 the connector blockactuator includes a block-side arm portion 210, a follower arm portion220, a block-side arm portion 240, and a follower arm portion 250. Thedocking station can include a sensor 420 for detecting when a lock isinserted in the security hole 140 of FIG. 1. The follower arm portion220 includes a rack-gear portion 223. The follower arm portion 250includes a rack-gear portion 251.

The connector block actuator can include a motor 310, a worm-gear 320, aclutch-gear 330, a pinion-gear 340, and an emergency override gear 350.In FIG. 5, the pinion-gear 340 has been moved and shown in perspectivefor clarity. The clutch-gear 330 has a slipping feature so that if theconnector blocks or other moving parts become jammed or their movementis otherwise impeded that the motor 310 will not burn out or destroy theother gears.

The clutch-gear 330 also works in conjunction with the emergencyoverride gear 350. In the event of a power failure and an electronicdevice is in the docking station with the connector blocks in the closedposition, the emergency override gear 350 can be manually manipulatedwith an allen key or like tool. Those of skill in the art willappreciate it is difficult to drive a worm-gear in reverse. Theclutch-gear 330 allows the other gears to turn in response to a manualrotation of the emergency override gear 350 so that the connector blocksand arms can be positioned in the open position. The clutch-gear 330 inthis instance slips so that the other gears may turn.

When rotated, the pinion-gear 340 causes the rack-gears 221 and 251 tomove laterally and, consequently, move the connector blocks inwards oroutwards.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a pinion-gear. The pinion-gear 340includes a smaller portion 341 and a larger portion 342. The smallerportion 341 drives the rack-gears 221 and 251 of FIG. 5. The largerportion 342 is driven by the motor via the other gears in the gearbox. Arotation of the larger portion 342 causes the smaller portion 341 torotate and move the rack-gears.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a clutch-gear and FIG. 7B is aperspective view of a clutch-gear with portions removed for clarity. Asshown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the clutch-gear 330 includes a first gear331, a second gear 332, and a spring 333. The spring 333 exerts a forceon the second gear 332 and pushes the second gear 332 into the firstgear 331. The first and second gears 331 and 332 are thus held togetherby friction. If a force on one gear exceeds the friction force holdingthe two gears together, the clutch-gear 330 will “slip” and the firstand second gears will be free to move independently. The opposing faces(not shown) of the first and second gears can have mating surfacefeatures such as ribs, bars, or ridges to increase friction between thegears and prevent unintended slipping.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a connector block and arm. As shown inFIG. 8 the connector block and arm includes a connector block 200, ablock-side arm portion 210, an alignment arm 205, and a follower portion220. The follower portion 220 includes a positioning indicator 221 forinterfacing with the positioning sensor 430. The block-side arm portion210 is connected to the follower portion 220 with a linear clutchassembly 215. The block-side arm portion 210 includes two rails 212 andtwo slider blocks 211. The slider blocks 211 can be fixed to theblock-side arm portion 210. The rails 212 can slide freely within theslider blocks 211. The block-side arm portion 210 can include cutouts213 to allow the passage of a screw or tool for securing the rails 212to retention slots on the underside of the top cover (600 of FIG. 18).

The block-side arm portion 210 includes a sensor part 440 and thefollower portion 220 includes a sensor part 445. The sensor part 445 canbe a resistive pad that detects a change in resistance if the sensorpart 440 moves. Together the sensor parts 440 and 445 can detect amovement between the block-side arm portion 210 and the follower portion220. In normal operation the block-side arm portion 210 should berigidly secured to the follower portion 220. In the event of a jam ormisalignment of a component of the docking station, the linear clutchassembly 215 can slip allowing the follower portion 220 to moveindependently of the block-side arm portion 210. Those of skill in theart will appreciate that other sensor designs can detect movementbetween the block-side arm portion 210 and the follower portion 220.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connector block and arm. As shown inFIG. 9 the connector block and arm includes a connector block 230, ablock-side arm portion 240, an alignment arm 235, and a follower portion250. The block-side arm portion 240 is connected to the follower portion250 with a linear clutch assembly 215. The block-side arm portion 240includes two rails 212 and two slider blocks 211. The slider blocks 211can be fixed to the block-side arm portion 240. The rails 212 can slidefreely within the slider blocks 211. The block-side arm portion 240 caninclude cutouts 213 to allow the passage of a screw or tool for securingthe rails 212 to the underside of the top cover (FIG. 18). Theblock-side arm portion 240 can include a sensor part (not shown forclarity) similar to the sensor part 440 of FIG. 8. The follower portion250 can include a sensor part 445.

FIG. 10 is a top view of a docking station for an electronic device. Asshown in FIG. 10, the docking station has a tray 100, indexing points150, 151, 152, and 153, vent slots 160 and 161, vent notch 170, sensorholes 180 and 181, and recessed portions 190. The tray is shaped toreceive an electronic device such as an Apple MacBook Pro. The tray hasindexing points 150, 151, 152, and 153 to precisely position theelectronic device within the tray. Indexing point 150 has a roundedportion positioned to indexing a rear surface and a first side surfaceof the electronic device. Indexing point 151 has a rounded portionpositioned to indexing a rear surface and a second side surface of theelectronic device. Indexing points 152 and 153 are protrusion from thetray 100 for indexing a front surface of the electronic device.

Vent slots 160 are positioned on the left and right sides of the tray100 to allow airflow to the electronic device. Vent notch 170 extendsalong the back side of the tray 100 between indexing points 150 and 151.Vent notch 170 allows airflow to the electronic device.

Sensor holes 180 and 181 can correspond to the position of sensors 400and 410 of FIG. 4. If the sensors 400 and 410 are mechanicalbutton-style sensors, the sensors can protrude through the sensor holes180 and 181. The sensors 400 and 410 can be depressed when an electronicdevice is inserted into the tray 100 to indicate to the docking stationthat an electronic device has been inserted. Recessed portions 190 aresized to be larger than a foot of the electronic device. The feet of anelectronic device are frequently contacted through normal use and canbecome worn causing the feet to be poor indexing points. The recessedportions 190 allow the feet of an electronic device to free float in therecessed portions 190. The main surface of the tray can serve as anindexing point for the bottom of the electronic device.

FIGS. 11A-11D are a detailed perspective views of a top surface of thedocking station for an electronic device. As shown in FIGS. 11A-11D theindexing points 150 and 151 can be rounded to match the contour of theelectronic device. The indexing points 150 and 151 can contact a sidesurface and a rear surface of the electronic device. The indexing points150 and 151 can contact a bottom surface of the electronic device. Theindexing points 150 and 151 can be shorter than a thickness of theelectronic device. In preferred embodiments of the invention theindexing points 150 and 151 are shorter than a base portion of theelectronic device so that a screen of the electronic device can openfreely without interference from the indexing points 150 and 151.

The vent notch 170 can be bounded on a left and right side by theindexing points 150 and 151. The vent notch 170 can be formed in thetray 100, and in preferred embodiments is generally referred to as thearea bounded by the tray 100 and the dotted line.

FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of an arm of a connector blockactuator with a linear clutch removed. As shown in FIG. 12, theconnector block actuator includes a block-side arm portion 210 and afollower portion 220. The block-side arm portion 210 has a cutout 214.The follower portion 220 has a slot 222. The block-side arm portion 210can have a sensor part 440 and the follower portion 220 can have asensor part 445. The docking station can include a sensor 430 fordetecting the position of the connector block (not shown). The sensor430 can detect the position of a tab 221 or other movable feature andthereby infer the position of the connector block (not shown).

The block-side arm portion 210 can be connected to the follower portion220 by a linear clutch (See FIG. 13A). In the event of an obstruction orjam, the block-side arm portion 210 can slide in the direction of theslot 222 of the follower portion 220.

FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B are a perspective views of a connector assemblyfor a linear clutch. The linear clutch of FIG. 13B has portions removedfor clarity. As shown in FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, a linear clutch has abottom alignment member 500, a bottom slider member 510, a top slidermember 520, a bottom washer 530, a spring 540, a top washer 550, and abolt 560. The bolt 560 has a slot portion 570. The bolt 560 can threadinto the bottom alignment member 500 to tighten the assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13A, and 13B, the top surface of bottom slidermember 510 can contact a bottom surface of the follower portion 220. Thefollower portion 220 can have a channel shape and the bottom alignmentmember 500 can be sized to fit in the channel of the follower portion220. The bottom surface of the top slider member 520 can contact a topsurface of the follower portion 220. The top and bottom slider members510 and 520 can be formed from plastic or metal. The bottom washer 530can exert an even force on the top slider member 520. The bottom washermember 530 can be sized to fit in the hole 214 of the block-side armportion 210.

The linear clutch can have a spring 540. The spring 540 can becompressed to apply a constant force to the components of the linearclutch. The top washer 550 can be positioned on top of the spring 540and below the head of the bolt 560. When the bolt 560 is tightened, thehead of the bolt 560 applies a force to the top washer 550 which in turncompresses the spring 540. A slot portion 570 of the bolt 560 can passthrough the slot 222 of FIG. 12.

The linear clutch can be tightened so that the block-side arm portion210 and the follower portion 220 are held fast during normal operation.In the event that the actuator mechanism becomes jammed or blocked, theclutch can “slip” to allow the block-side arm portion 210 to slide inthe direction of the slot 222 of the follower portion 220. This slippingfeature can prevent damage to the docking mechanism or electronic devicein the event of an error.

A slip of the linear clutch can be detected by the sensor parts 440 and445 of FIG. 12. If a slip is detected, the docking station can beprogrammed to cause the port-blocks to open to their maximum positionsthereby resetting the linear clutch to where the slot portion 570 of thebolt 560 is in the left most side of the slot 222 of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of connector block actuator of a dockingstation for an electronic device, FIG. 15 is a detail bottom view of theconnector block actuator of FIG. 14, and FIG. 16 is a detail perspectiveview of the bottom of the connector block actuator of FIG. 14. As shownin FIG. 14, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16, a connector block actuator can includeconnector blocks 200 and 230. The connector block 200 is has ablock-side arm portion 210, a follower arm portion 220, and an alignmentarm 205. The connector block 230 is has a block-side arm portion 240, afollower arm portion 250, and an alignment arm 235. The connector blockactuator includes a motor 310, clutch gear 330, and emergency overridegear 350. The docking station includes sensor 400 for detecting when anelectronic device is properly inserted into the docking station. Thedocking station can have a symmetrical sensor 410 on the opposite sidenear connector block 200. The docking station can include a sensor 420for detecting when a lock is inserted in the security hole 140 ofFIG. 1. The docking station can include a button 450 for causing thedock to open or close the port blocks 200 and 230. The button 450 can bea capacitive touch button. The follower portion 220 can have a slot 222.The block-side arm portion 210 can be connected to the follower portion220 by a linear clutch 215.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an emergency override gear. As shown inFIG. 17, the emergency override gear 350 includes a lock-collar 351,locking members 352, and a manual interface 353. The lock-collar 351 cansurround the locking members 352. The locking members 352 can interfacewith teeth of the lock-collar 351. The manual interface 353 can be akeyed interface for accepting a tool such as an allen wrench or screwdriver. The effect of the lock-collar 351 and locking members 352 can beto only allow the manual interface 353 to be turned in a singledirection. The single direction can be the direction associated withopening the port blocks of the docking station.

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of a top surface of a docking station for anelectronic device. As shown in FIG. 18, the bottom-side of the topsurface of the docking station can include retention slots 600 for therails 212 of FIG. 8. A screw can secure the rails 212 of FIG. 8 in theretention slots 600. The bottom-side of the top surface can includesensor holes 180 and 181 and alignment slots 610. The alignment slots610 can be shaped and positioned to accommodate the alignment arms 205and 235 of FIG. 2. The sensor holes 180 and 181 can be positioned toallow the sensors 400 and 410 of FIG. 4 to detect whether an electronicdevice is in position for docking.

FIG. 19 is detail view of a slide mechanism for an arm of a connectorblock actuator. In FIG. 19, the block-side arm portion (210 of FIG. 4)has been removed for clarity. As shown in FIG. 19, the slide mechanismincludes rails 212 and slider blocks 211. The rails 212 can be sized tofit into retention slot 600. The rails can be held in the retention slot600 by inserting an appropriately sized screw or other fastener intohole 605. The slider blocks 211 can be attached to the block-side armportion (210 of FIG. 4) and can slide freely on the rails allowing theport block (200 of FIG. 4) to slide between an open and closed position.

This configuration is advantageous as the main connection points for themoving parts are located on the underside of the top tray. The indexingpoints for positioning the electronic device are on the top surface ofthe top tray. In this way, the components of the docking station thatrequire the most precision can be anchored to common structural elementsuch as the top tray. Such a configuration can limit tolerance stackingas the anchor points for moving parts can be located on the samestructural element as the indexing members.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of hardware and software systems according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 20, thesystem includes docking station components 1000 and electronic devicecomponents 1030. The docking station components include the dockingstation hardware components 1010 and the docking station firmwarecomponents 1020. The electronic device components 1030 include theelectronic device hardware components 1040, electronic device operatingsystem 1050, and electronic device docking software components 1060.

With reference to the docking station components 1000, the dockingstation hardware components 1010 can include the physical structuresthat enable the docking station such as electronics, circuit boards,gears, motors, etc. More specifically, the docking station hardwarecomponents 1010 can include the structures shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 19. Thedocking station hardware components 1010 can include a docking stationcontroller that includes docking station firmware 1020. The dockingstation controller can have a USB connection to one of the plurality ofplugs 110 shown in FIG. 1.

The operation of the docking station controller can be governed by thedocking station firmware 1020. The docking station controller anddocking station firmware 1020 can receive inputs from sensors 400, 410of FIG. 4, switches 420, and 430 of FIG. 4, and sensor 440 of FIG. 12.The docking station controller and docking station firmware 1020 cancontrol the motor 310 of FIG. 4. The docking station controller anddocking station firmware 1020 can include a communications function forcommunicating with the electronic device 1030 present in the dockingstation. The communications can be, for example, via a USB connection.

The docking station firmware 1020 can receive a signal from sensors 400,410 of FIG. 4 to determine whether an electronic device is properlypositioned within the tray 110. The docking station firmware 1020 canreceive a signal from switch 430 to determine whether the connectorblock is in the open or closed position. Switch 420 can be a resetswitch that, when pressed, sends a signal to the docking stationfirmware 1020. The docking station firmware 1020 can interpret thesignal from the switch 420 and reset the docking station to a factorydefaults. The docking station firmware 1020 can interpret the signalfrom the switch 420 and cause the port blocks to move to an openposition.

The docking station firmware 1020 can have a firmware upgrade featuresuch that the firmware can be updated via USB. The docking stationfirmware 1020 can receive a signal from sensor 440 to indicate aslippage in the mechanical components. In the event of a slippage, thedocking station firmware can mechanically reset the dock by running themotor in reverse thus opening the port blocks to the maximum position.

The docking station firmware 1020 can control the motor 310 to open andclose the port blocks. The docking station firmware 1020 can monitor thecurrent draw of the motor as an indicator of an error condition. In theevent of a jam or misalignment, the motor will work harder, turn slower,and accordingly draw additional current. The current draw of the motor310 can also indicate that the port blocks are fully inserted into thedocking station. For example, as motor 310 draws the port blocks intothe electronic device, the motor 310 will turn slower, and thereforedraw more current, when the port blocks are fully inserted. One of skillin the art will appreciate that the docking station firmware couldsimilarly monitor a voltage drop instead of the current draw to achievethe same sensor capabilities.

The electronic device hardware components 1040 can include standardcomputer components such as keyboard, monitor, mouse, motherboard,network card, WiFi/Bluetooth, and hard drive. The electronic deviceoperating system 1050 can be any operating system such as Apple's OSX,Microsoft Windows, or Linux variant. The electronic device dockingsoftware components 1060 can be used to interface with the dockingstation 1000 and more particularly, the docking station firmware.

The electronic device docking software components 1060 can include amessaging module that can send a message to the docking station firmware1020 to open or close the port blocks (i.e. dock or undock). Theelectronic device docking software components 1060 can receive a messagefrom the docking station that a user has pressed an “undock” button andcause the electronic device to dismount attached storage devices. Theelectronic device docking software components 1060 can send a message tothe docking station firmware 1020 to set the docking station to a lockedor unlocked state. When in a locked state, authorization can be requiredto open or undock the electronic device or to set the docking station toan unlocked state.

The electronic device docking software components 1060 can be used toselect an audio input/output device with audio input/output selectionmodules. In preferred embodiments, a docking station includes a USBaudio device and a PCIe audio device. The USB audio device can be havean input/output of standard 3.5 mm or 1/8″ headphone jack. The PCIeaudio device can be an audio device connected to a display device suchas a display connected via thunderbolt. In certain embodiments, thedocking station can include a HDMI audio device, such as the audiodevice and speakers of an external monitor connected to the dockingstation via HDMI. In this instance the electronic device dockingsoftware components 1060 can selectively enable any of the connectedaudio devices. The electronic device docking software components 1060can further enable/disable or mute/unmute an internal audio device ofthe electronic device.

The electronic device docking software components 1060 can include adismount module to automatically dismount all externally attachedstorage devices. The dismount module can ensure that all write buffershave been written to disk and that all attached storage devices havebeen cleanly dismounted before undocking

The electronic device docking software components 1060 can furtherinclude a profile manager. The profile manager can set the electronic toa particular state given a set of conditions. For example, in the casewhere the electronic device is docked with an external monitor, theprofile manager can position preselected windows onto the externalmonitor. Similarly, when undocked, the profile manager can repositionthe windows onto a screen of the electronic device. The profile managercan further enable a preselected audio device based upon the devicebeing in a docked/undocked state.

The profile manager can determine a profile based upon a set ofconditions. As an example of a condition, the profile manager can detectthe presence of the docking station to know that the electronic deviceis in a “docked” state. Similarly, the profile manager can detect thepresence of a particular Wifi access point, attached peripheral, or GPScoordinates to determine that the electronic device is at home, office,or other location associated with a profile. The conditions that definea profile can be set by a user. The device settings for a given profilecan also be set by a user. For example, profile manager can detect thatthe electronic device is in a docked state and near an access point “X”associated with an office and, in response, position an email window onan external monitor and select an audio device associated withheadphones. When the electronic device is undocked, the profile managercan still detect the presence of access point X and reposition the emailwindow to the monitor of the electronic device and selects/enables aninternal audio device of the electronic device. When the electronicdevice is subsequently in a docked state and detects an attachedperipheral associated with a home location, the docking station can, forexample, position an audio player window on an external monitor andselect an audio device associated with a home stereo system.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram of the electronic hardware components of adocking station according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.As shown in FIG. 21, the docking station 1100 includes a USB hub 1110,USB audio device 1120, a PCI/MiniDisplay Port controller (ThunderBolt)1130, a USB SD card reader 1140, a USB docking station controller 1150,a charge controller 1160, a USB Ethernet device 1170, a ThunderBolt USBHub 1180, and a PCIe/MiniDisplay Port Audio Device 1190.

The USB Hub 1110 can be electrically connected to a USB plug on thedocking station. When in a closed or docked position, the USB plug caninterface with a corresponding port of the electronic device. The USBhub 1110 can allow many USB devices to be connected to a single USB portof the electronic device. The USB audio device 1120, USB SD card reader1140, and USB Ethernet device 1170 can be connected to the USB hub 1110.The USB docking station controller 1150 can be connected to the USB hub1110 or be electrically connected to a USB plug on the docking stationthat interfaces with a corresponding port of the electronic device.

The charge controller 1160 can receive electrical power from an externalpower source and provide power to the electronic device via theplurality of pins 130 shown in FIG. 1. The charge controller 1160 cancommunicate with components of the electronic device to determine thecharge level, temperature, and charge rate of a battery of theelectronic device. The charge controller 1160 can optionally convert ACpower to DC power or DC power to DC power.

The PCI/MiniDisplay Port controller (ThunderBolt) 1130 can be connectedto the electronic device through the docking station via a ThunderBoltplug. The PCI/MiniDisplay Port controller 1130 can have a number ofoutput ports that are disposed on a rear portion of the docking stationand can be used to attach external monitors and other ThunderBoltdevices. The PCIe/MiniDisplay Port Audio Device 1190 can be connected tothe PCI/MiniDisplay Port controller 1130. The ThunderBolt USB Hub 1180can be connected to the PCI/MiniDisplay Port controller 1130 to providea plurality of USB ports. In certain embodiments, the USB Ethernetdevice 1170 can be connected to the PCI/MiniDisplay Port controller 1130rather than connected via USB.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that a variety ofcommunications devices such as USB, Ethernet, Thunderbolt, Firewire,etc, can be integrated into the docking station and connected to theelectronic device via an appropriate connector or communicationsprotocol. Therefore, while particular communications technologies havebeen discussed herein, one of skill in the art will appreciate thatother communications technologies can be substituted for thoseexplicitly disclosed.

FIG. 22A is a flow chart for docking an electronic device according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 22A, dockingbegins in step 1200 and can be initiated by a button press 1205 or othersignal from a user. The dock controller and firmware can detect thebutton press 1205. If the button has not been pressed, the dockcontroller can wait or listen for a button press 1205 in the future. Ifthe button has been pressed, the dock controller can check 1215 positionsensors in the docking station to determine if an electronic device ispresent in the docking station and can detect if the electronic deviceis properly seated so that the plugs can enter the electronic devicesmoothly without binding. The position sensors can be the sensors shownin FIG. 4, reference numerals 400 and 410.

The dock controller can read the input from the position sensors todetermine 1220 if the electronic device is properly positioned. If thedevice is not properly positioned, the docking controller can indicatean error condition 1225. In preferred embodiments of the invention, thedocking station has a ring-shaped light surrounding a “dock” button. Inthe event of an error condition 1225, the controller can change thecolor or display of the ring-shaped light to indicate the errorcondition. For example, the light can be blue or green and change to redor amber to indicate an error condition. The dock can revert to blue orgreen after five seconds. In the alternative, the dock can include aspeaker or piezoelectric buzzer to emit a chirp or series of chirps inthe event of an error condition. In the alternative, the dock can sendan audio signal to an attached audio device to play an error sound overattached speakers. After the error condition 1225 is indicated, the dockcan revert to the “waiting” state 1205 where the dock controller islistening for a button press or other indicator that docking is tocommence.

If the electronic device is properly positioned, the docking controllercan begin inserting 1230 the plugs into the electronic device. Inpreferred embodiments of the invention, the force to insert the plugs isprovided by a motor. While the plugs are being inserted, the dockingcontroller can detect an error condition 1235. An error condition 1235can be, for example, that the plugs have become jammed or are bindingwhile being inserted into the electronic device by the motor.

The error condition 1235 can be detected by a sensor, such as thepositioning sensors described in conjunction with step 1215. The errorcondition 1235 can also be detected by a sensor, such as sensor 440 ofFIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the block-side arm portion 210 is connected to afollower arm portion 220 via a linear clutch as shown in FIG. 12, FIG.13A, and FIG. 13B. If the insertion of the plugs is blocked, jammed, orthe insertion force exceeds a mechanical limit, the linear clutch canslip allowing the two arm portions to move independently. The sensor 440can detect the slippage between the two arm portions and indicate theerror condition to the dock controller. The mechanical limit can be setby the selection of materials in the linear clutch. In exemplaryembodiments of the invention, the mechanical limit is approximately fiveto ten pounds. The exact mechanical limit is not critical—it issufficient that the mechanical limit exceed the insertion force requiredto insert the plugs. Similarly, it is desirable that the mechanicallimit is not so high that damage to the docking station or electronicdevice occurs in the event of an error condition.

If an error is detected at step 1240, the dock controller can reversethe motor and thus plug insertion 1245. Optionally, the dock controllercan mechanically reset the slip clutch by running the motor in reverseto the maximum extent. The dock controller can indicate an errorcondition 1250 and transition to a “waiting” state 1205 for detecting apress of the “dock” button.

If an error condition is not detected at 1240, the docking controllercan detect whether insertion of the plugs into the electronic device iscomplete 1255. The detection of a complete status can be determined by asensor, such as sensor 430 of FIG. 2. Alternatively, the detection of acomplete status can be detected by a spike in the current draw on themotor, or a voltage drop across the motor. If insertion is complete, theprocess can transition to an end state 1280.

If there is no error condition 1235, and insertion 1255 is not complete,the dock controller can detect a “cancel” signal 1265. A cancel signalcan be generated by a user of the docking station when, for example,when the user decides that they no longer want to initiate docking Inthis instance, insertion of the plugs 1230 can be aborted by pressing acancel button 1265 or similar indicator. The cancel button can be anindependent button from the “dock” button. In preferred embodiments ofthe invention, the “dock” button and the “cancel” button are the samebutton. During plug insertion 1230, the dock controller can interpretsubsequent presses of the dock button as a “cancel” signal. If a cancelsignal is not detected at 1270, the process can cycle back to checkingfor error conditions 1235. This cycle of checking for errors,completion, or a cancel signal continues. If the cancel button waspressed at step 1270, the dock controller can reverse plug insertion bereversing the motor and the process can end at a step 1280.

FIG. 22B is a flow chart for docking an electronic device includingexemplary additional steps to FIG. 22A. The flow chart of FIG. 22B showsoptional, additional, “handshake” step that can occur after the plugshave been successfully inserted according to FIG. 22A. As shown in FIG.22B, if the plugs have been successfully inserted 1260 into theelectronic device, the process can transition to the optional handshakestep 1261. If the insertion 1260 was not successful, the process cantransition to step 1265 of FIG. 22A. In the handshake step 1261, thedocking station verifies that the computer being docking in the dockingstation is the computer that set the lock. The handshake 1261 canprevent an electronic device from becoming locked in the docking stationwhere the owner of the electronic device is not authorized to remove theelectronic device from the docking station.

In the handshake step 1261, the electronic device can send an identifierto the docking station. The identifier can be any information sufficientto identify an electronic device to the docking station. The identifiercan be, for example, the MAC address of an Ethernet device in theelectronic device. The identifier can be, for example, a serial numberof a motherboard or other hardware device in the electronic device. Inthe case of an enterprise with many docking stations, the identifier canbe an enterprise identifier that is shared between all electronicdevices. Upon receiving the identifier, the docking station can comparethe identifier to a stored identifier or list of stored identifiers. Ifthere is a match, the docking station will know that the electronicdevice is “known” to the docking station and, presumably, the user ofthe electronic devices has the necessary credentials to subsequentlyundock the electronic device.

The handshake 1261 can ensure that an unknown device, such as a laptopcomputer of a guest or visitor, is not accidentally docked to a dockingstation in the locked state. Without such a handshake 1261, anelectronic device could conceivably be docked to a “locked” dockingstation when the user or owner of the electronic device does not havecredentials to unlock or undock the docking station. Similarly, if anelectronic device does not have software installed to communicate withthe docking station, it will not become locked in the docking station.

If at step 1262, the handshake is unsuccessful (indicated an unknowndevice) or there is a timeout (indicating the electronic device is offor does not have appropriate software), the process can transition tostep 1275 wherein the docking station controller reverses the pluginsertion thus freeing the electronic device from the docking station.

FIG. 23 is a flow chart of undocking according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. The flow chart of FIG. 23 can be applicablewhen, for example, when a user presses an “undock” button on the dockingstation and the electronic device is in an “on” state. The “undock”button can be a separate and independent button from the “dock” button.In preferred embodiments of the invention, the “undock” button is thesame as the “dock” button. When the dock is a “docked” state, the dockcontroller can interpret a signal from the “dock” button as signal to“undock”. As shown in FIG. 23, undocking can begin 1300 by detecting1305 a signal from the “undock” button on the docking station. If no“undock” signal is detected at step 1310, the docking station cancontinue to check 1305 for an “undock” signal. If an “undock” signal isdetected 1310, for example, via pressing the undock button on thedocking station, the docking station can next detect 1315 whether thedocking station is in a “locked” state.

The purpose of the “locked” state is to prevent the removal of theelectronic device from the docking station. In use, when an electronicdevice is docked, plugs enter the electronic device from both sides andsecure the electronic device to the docking station. The electronicdevice can only be removed when the plugs are removed, thus freeing theelectronic device. Accordingly, the electronic device can be secured inthe docking station by preventing removal of the plugs (preventingundocking) when the docking station is in a “locked” state.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the plugs are electricalplugs that electrically interface with the electronic device. In otherembodiments, the plugs can be “dummy” plugs formed from nylon or othersturdy yet non-electrically conductive material. In embodimentsutilizing dummy plugs, the plugs on one side of the docking station canbe electrically functional plugs and plugs on the opposite side can bedummy plugs. Embodiments utilizing dummy plugs can save the cost ofelectrical components while still achieving the benefit of the lockingcapability.

The docking station can be set to a “locked” state by a user of theelectronic device. The docking station can be set to a locked state, forexample, by pressing and holding the “dock” button for five seconds. Thedocking station can be set to a locked state by a remote administrator.The “locked” state can be represented by setting a bit or a flag in thedock controller. Docking and undocking can be achieved by the motor andgears shown in FIG. 5. The motor can be controlled exclusively by thedock controller. When the docking station is in a “locked” state, thedock controller can ignore or reject messages or requests to undock theelectronic device thus securing the electronic device in the dockingstation. The docking station can be physically attached to a largestationary object with a Kensington-style lock thus preventing removalof the docking station and electronic device together.

An electronic device locked in the docking station can also be protectedagainst unauthorized access to data when a thief has physical access tothe electronic device. For example, a common attack is to boot apassword-protected electronic device from an external storage device togain access to data stored on the hard drive of the electronic device.If, however, the electronic device is locked in the docking station, theports on the left and right sides of the electronic device can bephysically covered by the docking station thereby preventing attachmentof an external storage device. Similarly, a thief could not physicallyaccess and remove an internal hard drive of the electronic devicebecause doing so would require disassembly of the electronic device—achallenging task when the electronic device is locked in the dockingstation.

Detecting lock state 1315 can include checking whether the bit or flagindicates a locked state. At step 1320, if the docking station is not ina locked state, the undock process will transition to “requestconfirmation” step 1325. At step 1325, the dock controller can send amessage to software running on the electronic device indicating that the“undock” button has been pressed. The software running on the electronicdevice can prompt a user of the electronic device to confirm 1330 thatthey desire to undock. If the user does not confirm, or a timeoutcondition occurs, the process can end at step 1345. If the user confirmsat step 1330, the software running on the electronic device can causeattached storage devices to dismount and all caches and buffers bewritten to the attached disks. When the software running on theelectronic device detects that the attached storages have beendismounted, the electronic device can send an “undock” message to thedock controller to remove the plugs 1340 from the electronic device.Upon receiving the “undock” message, the dock controller can activatethe motor to remove the plugs from the electronic device. When thedocking station detects that the plugs are completely removed, theprocess ends 1345.

In the event that the docking station is locked at step 1320, the dockcontroller can authorize removal of the electronic device. Authorizationcan be accomplished in many ways. For example, authorization can includesending a “request authorization” message from the dock controller tosoftware running on the electronic device. Upon receiving the “requestauthorization” message, the electronic device can prompt the user toenter a password. In preferred embodiments of the invention, thepassword (or a password hash) is stored in memory on the dockingstation. Accordingly, authorization further includes sending a passwordentered by the user to the dock controller. The docking controller cansubsequently compare the entered password to the stored password 1355and, if the passwords match, set the docking station to an “unlocked”state 1375.

Authorization can also be provided by a hardware key connected to thedocking station or electronic device. In this instance, when theelectronic device receives the “request authorization” message from thedocking station, the electronic device can check for the presence of thehardware key and, if the key is present, send a message to the dockingstation indicating authorization was successful 1355 and setting thedocking station to an “unlocked” state 1375.

Authorization can also be provided by the presence of a cellulartelephone. In common user scenarios, a user is likely to desire theelectronic device to be secured against theft while the users is notpresent, but easy to remove while the user is present. The presence of auser can be determined, for example, if the user's cellular telephonecan be detected by the electronic device. In this instance, when theelectronic device receives the “request authorization” message from thedocking station, the electronic device can check for a Bluetooth or WiFisignal emitted by the cellular telephone. If the cellular telephone isdetected by the electronic device, the electronic device can send amessage to the docking station indicating authorization was successful1355 and setting the docking station to an “unlocked” state 1375.

In the alternative, the electronic device can use an electronicidentifier of the cellular telephone as a password. The electronicidentifier can be, for example, the MAC address of a wireless card, aserial number, or other electronic identifier of the cellular telephone.The electronic identifier can be used as a password. In embodiments ofthe invention, the cellular telephone can include an app that provides apassword to the electronic device which in turn provides the password tothe docking station to authorize unlocking or removal of the electronicdevice.

If authorization was not successful, the process can transition todecision step 1360 where authorization is retried or aborted. Forexample, if authorization is unsuccessful, a user can indicate “cancel”to abort undocking If authorization has failed multiple times, thedocking controller and/or electronic device can automatically abortundocking.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart of undocking according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. The flow chart of FIG. 24 can be applicablewhen, for example, when a user presses an “undock” button on the dockingstation and the electronic device is in an “off” state. FIG. 24represents a special use-case because, if the electronic device is“off”, the electronic device cannot be used for authorization. As shownin FIG. 24, undocking an electronic device can begin 1400 by a userpressing an “undock” button 1405 on the docking station. If the buttonis pressed or docking is otherwise indicated, the process can transitionto step 1415 where the dock controller determines whether the dock is ina “locked” state. At decision step 1420, if the dock is in a “locked”state, the dock indicates an error condition 1435 and the process ends1430. Alternatively, if the docking station is not in a “locked” state,the dock controller can activate the motor to remove the plugs at step1425 thus freeing the electronic device and ending the process 1430.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart of undocking according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. The flow chart of FIG. 25 can be applicablewhen, for example, when a user initiates undocking from the electronicdevice. As shown in FIG. 25, undocking can start 1500 when an “undock”command is detected 1505 by software running on the electronic device.An undock command can be generated by many circumstances, for example,the software can have a button or menu item that generates an undockcommand or signal when selected. The software application can alsorecognize a hotkey or series of hot keys and, in response, generate theundock command, signal, or otherwise begin the undocking process 1505.When the undock command is detected, the process transitions to step1515 where the software on the electronic device detects whether thedock is in a “locked” state. Detection of the dock state can bedetermined, for example, by sending a query to the dock controller. Thedock controller in turn reads the “locked” bit or flag and returns theresult to the software running on the electronic device. In thealternative, the “lock” state can be stored locally on the electronicdevice.

At decision step 1520, if the device is “unlocked”, the electronicdevice can request confirmation 1525 from the user. Confirmation can beobtained, for example, by displaying a dialog to the user with twochoices “confirm” or “cancel.” If the user confirms, the software on theelectronic device can dismount attached storage 1535 and when complete,send a message to the dock controller instructing the dock controller toremove 1540 the plugs from the electronic device thus completing theundocking 1545.

If, at decision step 1520, the docking station is in a locked state, thesoftware running on the electronic device can authorize 1550 undockingaccording to the previously disclosed methods including password,hardware key, or cellular telephone detection. If authorization issuccessful, the electronic device can send a message to the dockcontroller instructing the dock controller to set the dock to anunlocked state 1575. The software on the electronic device can thendismount attached storage 1535 and when complete, send a message to thedock controller instructing the dock controller to remove 1540 the plugsfrom the electronic device thus completing the undocking 1545.

In preferred embodiments of the invention the docking station ismaintained in the “locked” state even when undocking In these cases,after successful authorization, the step of unlocking the dock 1575 canbe skipped and the undocking process can proceed to dismounting 1535 andremoving plugs 1540. This embodiment can be preferable in circumstanceswhere a user desires the electronic device to be always locked whendocked. There are also efficiencies to maintaining the dock in a lockedstate. For example, a user would not have to manually set the dock to alocked state.

When the dock is “open” and also “locked” an undesirable operatingmethod is possible. For example, if a user inserts an electronic devicethat is not loaded with the appropriate software to communicate with thedock controller and the user presses the “dock” button, the device canbecome irretrievably locked in the docking station. There are multiplesafety mechanisms to prevent such undesirable operational modes. Forexample, if the docking is initiated when the dock is already in a“locked” state, the dock controller can ignore the “lock” status andallow undocking As a second safety mechanism, when docking is initiatedand the dock is in a “locked” state, the docking controller cancommunicate with the electronic device when docking is complete.Successful communication can indicate that the electronic device isloaded with the appropriate software and thus unlocking and undocking ispossible via software. If communication is unsuccessful, the dock canautomatically “undock” or allow undocking notwithstanding the lock bit.As a third safety mechanism, the dock controller can detect a signalfrom the reset button 420 of FIG. 5 and set the dock to an unlockedstate. As a fourth safety mechanism, a gear 350 of FIG. 5 can be turnedwith an allen wrench to manually open the docking station.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart of undocking according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. The flow chart of FIG. 26 can be applicablewhen, for example, an undocking signal is received from a remotecomputer. A remote undock signal could be generated, for example, by anadministrator of a computer lab that desires to remove all docked andlocked laptops at once, such as for maintenance. In such a circumstance,a single undock command can be sent by a remote computer to the dockingstations and attached electronic devices to initiate undockingsimultaneously.

As shown in FIG. 26, remote undocking beings 1600 by sending an undockmessage from a remote computer 1605. The undock message can be received1610 by software running on a docked electronic device. The undockmessage can include an instruction to initiate undocking and anauthorization token, such as a password. The electronic device thenauthorizes 1615 the remote computer by analyzing the authorizationtoken. In the example where the token is a password, the password can becompared against a password stored on the docking station or theelectronic device. If authorization is successful, the software on theelectronic device can optionally warn 1625 the local user that undockingis about to begin, ask the user to save work, and confirm to proceed.The undocking process can be aborted if the local user does not confirm.In the alternative, undocking can occur automatically (or be aborted)after the expiration of a predetermined time period, such as thirtyseconds. The time period and an action to be performed at the expirationof the time period can be provided in the undock message. If the userconfirms undocking at decision step 1630 or if a timeout was specifiedand a default action was set to “undock”, then the process can proceedto a step 1635 where the lock state is detected. If the device islocked, the dock can optionally be unlocked at 1645. Next, externalstorage devices can be dismounted 1650 and the plugs of the dockingstation can be removed 1655 thereby completing the process 1660.

It is noted that the “unlock” step is optional and that undocking can beachieved while the docking station is in a locked state if authorizationis successful. In such a circumstance, the docking station would be inan open or undocked state and “locked.” Any subsequently dockedelectronic device would become locked in the docking station.

Just as a remote computer can initiate undocking, a remote computer canfurther initiate setting the docking stations to a locked state. Forexample, an authorized remote computer can send a “lock” message to adocked electronic device present on a network. The remote sending of a“lock” message could be desirable in the event of a building evacuationwhere a network administrator desires to secure electronic devicesagainst theft during the chaos of a building evacuation. In embodimentsof the invention, the docking software of the electronic device canreceive a lock message from a remote administrator and in response, setthe docking station to a locked state. When a docking station isremotely set to a locked state, the docking station can disableundocking for a predetermined period of time—even if a user is otherwiseauthorized to undock the electronic device.

In embodiments of the invention, the docking software can detect if theelectronic device was removed from a docking station without providingvalid credentials. Such a circumstance could indicate theft of theelectronic device, such as by forcefully breaking the docking station orby manually rotating the gears to remove the plugs from the electronicdevice. In such a circumstance, the electronic device can perform a setof actions that can be predetermined by an administrator of theelectronic device. For example, the docking station software can call ascript or program generated by an administrator of the electronic devicethat automatically encrypts or deletes sensitive user data. The scriptcan delete cached passwords and internet browsing history. The scriptcan activate a geolocation device such as GPS or WiFi and transmit thelocation of the electronic device back to the administrator. The scriptcan activate a camera on the electronic device and periodically takephotographs and transmit the photographs back to an administrator of theelectronic device.

FIG. 27 is an exemplary call flow between a dock controller of a dockingstation and a docked electronic device. As shown in FIG. 27, anexemplary call flow between an electronic device 1700 and a dockcontroller of a docking station 1710 can begin with a lock message 1715to lock the docking station. The lock message can be sent from theelectronic device 1700 to the docking station 1710. The lock message caninclude an instruction to set the docking station to a locked state. Thelock message can optionally include an authorization token such apassword that can later be used to unlock the docking station. Afterreceiving the lock message 1715, the docking station can respond with aconfirmation message 1720 that confirms to the electronic device thatthe docking station is now in a locked state. The electronic device canoptionally store the lock status of the docking station to avoidunnecessarily requesting lock status from the docking station.

In the exemplary call flow, a user presses an “undock” button on thedocking station 1710 causing the docking station 1710 to send a “requestauthorization” message 1725 to the electronic device 1700. When therequest authorization message 1725 is received the docking station canperform one of the aforementioned authorization methods to determinewhether undocking is authorized. If undocking is authorized, theelectronic device 1700 can send an unlock message 1730 to the dockingstation 1710. The unlock message 1730 can include an instruction to setthe docking station 1710 to an unlocked state. The unlock message 1730can include an authorization token such as a password. Upon receivingthe unlock message 1730, the docking dock can compare a previouslystored authorization token to the authorization token provided in theunlock message 1730 and, if the tokens match, set the docking station1710 to an unlocked state.

When the docking station 1710 is set to an unlocked state, the dockingstation 1710 can send an unlock confirmation message 1735 to theelectronic device. If, however, the docking station 1710 was not set toan unlocked state (i.e. authorization failed), the docking station cansend an authorization failure message (not shown) to the electronicdevice 1700. Upon receiving the unlock confirmation message 1735, theelectronic device 1700 can begin dismounting attached storage devices.When dismounting is complete, the electronic device 1700 can send a“remove plugs” or “undock” message 1740 to the docking station 1710.Upon receiving the undock message 1740, the docking station can activatea motor contained therein to drive the gears thus removing the plugsfrom the electronic device 1700.

FIG. 28 is an exemplary call flow between a dock controller of a dockingstation and a docked electronic device wherein the docking stationremains in a “locked state” after undocking As shown in FIG. 28, anexemplary call flow between an electronic device 1800 and a dockcontroller of a docking station 1810 can begin with a lock message 1815to lock the docking station. The lock message 1815 can be sent from theelectronic device 1800 to the docking station 1810. The lock message1815 can include an instruction to set the docking station to a lockedstate. The lock message can optionally include an authorization tokensuch a password that can later be used to unlock the docking station1810. After receiving the lock message 1815, the docking station 1810can respond with a confirmation message 1820 that confirms to theelectronic device 1800 that the docking station 1810 is now in a lockedstate.

In the exemplary call flow, a user presses an “undock” button on thedocking station 1810 causing the docking station 1810 to send a “requestauthorization” message 1825 to the electronic device 1800. When therequest authorization message 1825 is received, the docking station canperform one of the aforementioned authorization methods to determinewhether undocking is authorized. In the case of password authorization,the electronic device can prompt a user to enter a password. Uponentering the password, the electronic device 1800 can “check” thepassword by sending an “authorize” message 1830 to the docking station1810. The authorize message 1830 can include an authorization token,such as the password. At the docking station 1810, if the passwordmatches the stored password, the dock can respond with an authorizationconfirmation message 1835 that indicates to the electronic device 1800that the authorization was successful (or not). If the authorizationconfirmation message 1835 indicates that authorization was successful,the electronic device can now dismount attached storage devices and,when complete, send a “remove plugs” or “undock” message 1840 to thedocking station 1810. In this exemplary call flow, because the devicewas not unlocked, the undock message 1840 can also include theauthorization token password.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a port misalignment detection mechanismaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG.29, a port misalignment detection mechanism includes electrical contacts1905 and 1910 and one or more plugs 1915. The electrical contacts 1905can be located on a tray portion of the docking station and bepositioned such the electrical contacts 1905 touch a chassis of anelectronic device inserted into the docking station. The electricalcontacts 1910 can be located on one or more plugs 1915.

The electrical contacts 1910 can be positioned such that when the plugs1915 are inserted into the electronic device in a misalignedorientation, the electrical contacts 1910 contact the chassis of theelectronic device. The electrical contacts 1910 can be positioned on theplugs 1915 such that when the electronic device is properly aligned inthe docking station and the plugs 1915 are inserted into the electronicdevice, that the electrical contacts 1910 do not contact the chassis ofthe electronic device.

Together, electrical contacts 1905 and 1910 can detect a misalignment ofthe electronic device in the docking station when the chassis of theelectronic device is formed from an electrically conductive materialsuch as aluminum. For example, the electrical contacts 1905 and 1910 canbe part of an electrical circuit (see simplified circuit diagram inseton FIG. 13.) If both electrical contacts 1905 and 1910 contact theconductive chassis of the electronic device, the circuit can becompleted indicating that the plugs of the docking station may bemisaligned with the corresponding ports of the electronic device.

In alternative embodiments, the electrical contacts 1910 can be omittedand instead the metal portion of the plug 1915 can be used as anelectrical contact. If the electronic device is misaligned in thedocking station, the one or more plugs 1915 can contact a chassisportion of the electronic device thus completing the circuit between theelectrical contact 1905 and the metal housing of the plugs 1915. If amisalignment is detected the dock controller can indicate an errorcondition and reverse the insertion of the plugs 1915.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the motorized horizontaldocking station having integrated locking mechanism without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended thatembodiments of the invention cover the modifications and variations ofthis invention provided they come within the scope of the appendedclaims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for detecting misalignment between aplurality of plugs in a motorized docking station and a correspondingplurality of ports on an electronic device, the method comprising:applying an electrical charge to a motor, the motor connected to a drivetrain and the drive train connected to the plurality of plugs;monitoring an electrical property of the electrical charge; and removingthe electrical charge from the motor if the electrical property exceedsa predetermined threshold.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein theelectrical charge is a positive DC voltage.
 3. The method of claim 1wherein the electrical property is an electrical current.
 4. The methodof claim 3 wherein the wherein the predetermined threshold is measuredin terms of a current increase.
 5. The method of claim 3 wherein thewherein the predetermined threshold is an absolute current.
 6. Themethod of claim 3 further comprising: applying a reverse electricalcharge to the motor.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the electricalproperty is a voltage.
 8. The method of claim 7 wherein thepredetermined threshold is measured in terms of a voltage drop.
 9. Themethod of claim 7 wherein the predetermined threshold is an absolutevoltage.
 10. The method of claim 7 further comprising: applying areverse electrical charge to the motor.
 11. The method of claim 1further comprising: applying a reverse electrical charge to the motor;wherein the electrical charge is a positive DC voltage; wherein thereverse electrical charge is a negative DC voltage; wherein theelectrical property is an electrical current; and wherein thepredetermined threshold is an absolute current.
 12. A device fordetecting misalignment between a plurality of plugs in a motorizeddocking station and a corresponding plurality of ports on an electronicdevice, the device comprising: a motor connected to a drive train andthe plurality of plugs; a sensor configured to detect an electricalproperty of an electrical charge applied to the motor; and a processorconfigured to remove the electrical charge from the motor when theelectrical property exceeds a predetermined threshold.
 13. The device ofclaim 12 wherein the processor is further configured to apply a reverseelectrical charge to the motor when the electrical property exceeds thepredetermined threshold.
 14. The device of claim 12 wherein theelectrical charge is a positive DC voltage.
 15. The device of claim 12wherein the electrical property is a current.
 16. The device of claim 15wherein the predetermined threshold is an absolute current.
 17. Thedevice of claim 12 wherein the electrical property is a voltage.
 18. Thedevice of claim 17 wherein the predetermined threshold is an absolutevoltage.
 19. The device of claim 17 wherein the predetermined thresholdis a voltage drop.
 20. A device for detecting misalignment between aplurality of plugs in a motorized docking station and a correspondingplurality of ports on an electronic device, the device comprising: amotor connected to a drive train and the plurality of plugs; a sensorconfigured to detect an current of an electrical charge applied to themotor; and a processor configured to remove the electrical charge fromthe motor when the current exceeds a predetermined absolute thresholdcurrent; wherein the processor is further configured to apply a reverseelectrical charge to the motor when the electrical property exceeds thepredetermined threshold.